Mark goes off on a rant, due to some anonymous person allegedly advising him that some Nationals from Tamworth and Gunnedah, including our State MP were upset that he, Mark Rodda went to the Electoral Commission with a submission to have Gunnedah removed from the Tamworth electorate and included in the Barwon electorate.

Mark Rodda's allegations are unfounded and at best fictional. The facts are, I am the chair of the Tamworth Branch of the Nationals and nothing regarding Mr Rodda has come to the notice of our branch since he he left the Nationals soon after failing to win preselection as a candidate for the Nationals a few elections ago for the State seat of Tamworth.

The Tamworth Branch doesn't care if he made a submission to the Electoral Commission, whether it be for his deep concern for country people having a loud voice, or could it be for his own political aspirations, possibly standing as a candidate for the city-centric SFF at the next state election.

Either way Mark knows as well as the rest of us, it is his democratic right to lodge a submission, or run as a candidate at the next election for the seat of Tamworth. Mark's choice, but when he tells porkies and takes a swipe at his old party in the hope to further his political ambitions, then it raises a concern with me.

It would be refreshing to hear Mark offer solutions instead of constant criticism.

Ian Coxhead, Tamworth

I read with interest the letter from Mark Rodda, regarding electorate boundaries. I fully support his right to make submissions to the committee considering the proposed re-distribution. I regret my lethargy in not having made a submission in the time frame allowed. That is where my agreement with Mark ends.

I have lived in the Gunnedah District for 84 years and 11 months. During that time I have voted in Tamworth, Upper Hunter, Barwon, Parkes and New England without moving house. I, for one, am sick and tired of some bureaucrat deciding to pick up Gunnedah Shire and dump it into any district to suit a numerical requirement. Gunnedah residents have a real connection with Tamworth.

Many work in either centre and live in the other. Almost all medical issues requiring specialist consultation of Gunnedah residents is performed in Tamworth. We understand that in most deliberations we are not in competition with Tamworth.

The major city is expected to get the large projects, and understands the wisdom of supporting the needs of the surrounding towns. We look forward with high expectations of the successful establishment of a University Campus in Tamworth, together with the opportunities that will provide Gunnedah residents. Gunnedah and Narrabri enjoy a friendly relationship, but there is only a small amount of exchange of trade and social relationship.

Any new development is usually a contest between the centres to get a favourable decision. Fortunately Narrabri seems sure of growth and development with the progression of the Inland Rail.

I am a firm believer that the residents of a Local Government Area should have their thoughts on redistribution, seriously considered. How do you poll residents, without expense of time and money?

Well I would believe the local Council would be the best judge of that issue, and consequently their views should carry much weight.

Personally I have felt our representation has been at its best, when we have been in the Tamworth electorate, and I have great respect for our current member, Kevin Anderson, whom I believe to be an extremely honest, hard working and dedicated member.

Bill Weakley, Gunnedah

It is difficult to understand the support of our elected representatives for this project, contrasting the care and protection of our lives with the present pandemic with the reckless risks with our water, agricultural production, investments, livelihood, and indeed our lives - If a high pressure leak can be accidentally ignited in a rural area.

Deeper drilling for water as suggested by our minister for the environment to a water supply perhaps totally unsuitable for agriculture and human consumption. Driving up costs is a risk we cannot take.

Agriculture needs cheaper water and lower costs to become a bread basket to a hungry and competitive world.

We need our products to be cost effective. We do not need to impose starvation if more than half the world cannot afford our products.

Our representatives and the minister for the environment have achieved many good things. In my opinion, in this case, they are letting us and the environment down and failing to do their duty on our behalf.

Lindsay Bridge, Quirindi